Hello friends, this review is an old one that I wrote on the Pantip website in 2014. It has been almost 3 years since then, and now that I have come to know the Readme website, I would like to share the information I wrote there on this website as well. Since not many people know about this place yet, it is still quite raw. The information in this post may not be very up-to-date, but I would still like you to try and experience it for yourselves.

This hidden gem is a lesser-known tourist destination, unlike the renowned Phu Chi Fa or Pha Tang. Even locals may be unfamiliar with its name. However, its beauty lies in its tranquility and unspoiled nature. Let's explore its captivating atmosphere.

Note: This is not a detailed review. I will share some interesting tidbits instead.

Link to old post

- http://pantip.com/topic/31128875

The journey from Chiang Rai city takes approximately 2-3 hours. From Chiang Rai city, head towards Mae Suai district. Turn right at the same intersection as the road leading up to Doi Chang. As you enter the alley, you will pass small villages and a sign for the Mae Suai Dam on your left. Do not stop, continue driving straight ahead.

On November 4, 2014, when we set out on our journey, a monsoon was hitting the northern region. We were apprehensive, even though it wasn't raining when we started. Along the way, we were treated to beautiful roadside views like this.

The sunshine brings a little joy to the heart.

As we ascend the mountain towards Doi Chang, a breathtaking view of the Mae Surin Dam unfolds on our left, offering a panoramic perspective from above.

Everyone would agree: "Stop!"

At approximately 4:30 PM, we parked our car to capture a high-angle photograph of the dam. The sky suggested that rain was imminent, but the breathtaking scenery compelled us to continue taking pictures, undeterred by the potential downpour.

Is it fair to blame the rain for a photographer's misfortune? I don't think so. Nature always holds hidden beauty, and it's our job to find it.

After capturing the perfect shots, ominous dark clouds began to gather. Our driver shifted into overdrive, speeding us past a diverse landscape (without stopping this time). Along the way, we encountered a fork in the road: Doi Chang to the right and Doi Wawi (approximately 40 kilometers) to the left. We turned left and continued driving, passing through various villages until reaching Doi Wawi (skipping our usual stop due to the approaching rain). From Doi Wawi, we spotted a sign indicating Doi Kad Phi, roughly 12 kilometers ahead. We continued our journey, and shortly after passing Doi Wawi, a breathtaking vista unfolded before us on the left (so inviting that it seemed to beckon us to stop). However, we had arrived a bit late, forgetting that the sun sets earlier during this season. Moreover, the rain had already begun, and the light had faded.

Along the route, there is a resort called Laoli Resort, located in Laoli Village. It is the closest resort to Doi Kad Phi. If you want a comfortable stay, you can stop by here (prices are unknown). Upon reaching the foot of Doi Kad Phi, there will be a sign on the right-hand side. Normally, you can easily drive a pickup truck or motorcycle up, but due to heavy rain for almost 3 days before our trip, we were unable to drive up (Pajero) because the road was very slippery. We couldn't go up at all, the wheels were spinning freely. According to the initial plan, we were going to drive up and sleep in the park on top of the mountain (there are complete bathrooms but no electricity). However, we had to change our plan. We asked a shop near the entrance to the mountain if they had tents for rent. They contacted the park officials for us, which was very kind. The officials rode their motorcycles from their homes to meet us and walked up the mountain together because our car couldn't go up and had to be parked below. From the sign at the entrance to the top of Doi Kad Phi, it is approximately 1 kilometer (Meau).

As we made our way up the mountain (we stopped for a bite to eat at a roadside stall before starting the climb), it was already past 7 pm by the time the park ranger found us and led us to our tent. It was completely dark, but the full moon was incredibly bright. We reached the summit with the ranger, who was incredibly kind and a local. He had already set up the tent for us. When we inquired about the tent rental fee, he informed us that there was none because the park provides them for visitors. After he finished setting up the tent, we offered him some money as a token of our appreciation. As if it had been planned, the full moon appeared majestically in the sky as soon as the tent was ready.

The Milky Way captured my heart during my previous visit to Doi Kad Phi. It was my first attempt at astrophotography, and while the results weren't perfect, the experience left an unforgettable impression of the world's beauty. It made me wonder, would we ever witness such natural wonders if we never ventured beyond our homes? Tonight, despite the absence of the Milky Way due to the season and the bright moonlight obscuring the stars, nature presented another breathtaking spectacle at the same location. The beauty and awe it inspired were truly remarkable.

As the full moon illuminated the night sky, obscuring the stars, our initial plan to capture the celestial dance of the stars was thwarted. Instead, we engaged in lively conversation and laughter until the late hours, enjoying the solitude of the mountaintop. With no other tourists around, we set our alarms for 4 am, eager to witness the spectacle of the night sky. As dawn approached, the moon gracefully retreated, revealing a breathtaking tapestry of stars that twinkled against the inky blackness.

We can't afford to stay in a 5-star hotel, but tonight we're sleeping in a billion-star hotel. ^^

After setting up our equipment (feeling sleepy), it was already 5 am. We found the north direction and started taking photos of the rotating stars. However, before 6 am, the sky began to brighten. As a result, we only managed to capture around 45 photos, of which only 22 were usable. We have compiled these photos into a time-lapse video of the rotating stars. The quality is not ideal.

In the blink of an eye, the sky brightened, revealing a sea of mist below. Wow!

As the sky gradually brightened, a breathtaking view unfolded before us: a sea of mist stretching as far as the eye could see. To be honest, the fog was more beautiful and abundant when I visited last year. However, even this sight was enough to satisfy our desire for a relaxing getaway.

From a photographer's perspective, the viewpoint at this location offers limited angles due to the restricted space and the presence of trees obstructing the view. Although the park ranger informed us that the true summit of Doi Kad Phi is approximately 1 kilometer further, offering 360-degree views of the mist-filled valley, they advised against proceeding further, stating that the current viewpoint provides the most scenic vista. They explained that while the higher elevation offers a broader perspective, the trees also grow taller, limiting the panoramic view. Given the stunning scenery before us, we opted to follow the ranger's recommendation. After all, who would be willing to hike another kilometer when the眼前的景色如此壮丽！

It is highly recommended to bring a telephoto lens, as it is crucial for capturing the beauty of each detail, even if it is a bit heavy.

As we were capturing the sea of mist, the sun was slowly rising but still behind the clouds. Suddenly, the sky changed color, and boom! This is what they call an exploding sky.

Spectacular explosion in Qatar.

The campsite offers restrooms conveniently located near the edge of a cliff. However, there is no need to worry about safety, as the cliff gradually slopes downwards instead of dropping sharply. (Why am I even mentioning this? Who would jump?)

We waited with bated breath to see if the sun would grace us with its presence... and our wish was granted, ending the trip on a perfect note.

The Christmas cactus blooms in the morning sun (it didn't bloom last year).

Ironically, nature played a cruel joke on us. The sun revealed itself for only about 10 minutes before disappearing behind the clouds. Alas!

This is the last photo taken before the light faded away, leaving a white sky.

This concludes the 2014 Doi Kad Phi thread.

Thank you to my travel companions for indulging me and joining me on this challenging trip. We had another fantastic adventure together.

Fellow Pantip users, if you have any questions or want to know anything about Doi Kad Phi, I will answer them to the best of my ability.

Thank you for following. _/\_